When you join the staff of Whatcom Center for Early Learning (WCEL), you join a dedicated, mission-driven team of professionals who believe every child should have access to Early Support services and the opportunity to grow their skills and abilities. Our staff are passionate about our county-wide work with children and families with developmental delays and disabilities and aim to actively contribute to an equity-minded culture of appreciation and growth.

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WCEL’s mission is to partner with families to provide high-quality, equitable, and comprehensive therapy and support services to children experiencing developmental delays and disabilities. Our vision is an equitable society where children with disabilities and their families thrive, experience meaningful connections, and have a deep understanding of their strengths and needs.

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This position is located in beautiful Bellingham, WA. Bellingham is uniquely placed at the heart of the Pacific Northwest, nestled between the mountains and the sea. Living here you can discover your inner adventurer by exploring iconic cities, trying countless outdoor activities, and becoming part of a welcoming community.

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Join our life-changing organization today!

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Position Summary:

The Specialized Instructor (SI) is an integral part of our Early Support Services team. SI’s are responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive, family-centered ­evaluations, assessments and therapy routines for children who are enrolled at Whatcom Center for Early Learning (WCEL) Early Support Services (EI) program. ES staff utilize the Primary Service Provider approach when working with children and their families or caretakers. This position will be supervised by the Lead Primary Service Provider.

 

Pay Range: $31-$50/hour

 

Schedule: Full-time

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Locations: works primarily out of any of the three WCEL Whatcom County locations

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Duties and Responsibilities:​

• Identify and evaluate present levels of development in appropriate skill areas for children referred to the program, utilizing formal standardized evaluation tools, screenings, parent report and informal observations of children in a variety of age-appropriate settings.

• Develop Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) in appropriate developmental skill areas for children on their caseload in partnership with parents and WCEL Family Resources Coordinators as part of an interdisciplinary team.

• Maintain an understanding and knowledge base of early childhood development.

• Have familiarity with federal and State of Washington policies and procedures for eligibility and implementation of birth to three early support services.

• Provide and coordinate specialized instructor services and consultations to children and families enrolled at WCEL in “natural environments” (family/foster homes, childcare programs, and other community settings where families spend their time).

• Include parents in all aspects of program services.

• Collaborate with outside service providers and community partners as needed and requested.

• Participate in team meetings, staff meetings, quarterly planning/visioning days, and professional development opportunities.

• Attend Whatcom Center events, including WCEL family picnics, as scheduled.

• Maintain data and records in the Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT) data management system according to regulations stated in WCEL contracts and best practices for early support programs.

• Maintain hard copies of all required documentation in each child’s file at WCEL in conjunction with Family Resource Coordinators.

• Document daily work hours in the current time tracking system for billing purposes to WCEL funders for reimbursements for services rendered to eligible Whatcom County children and families.

• Participate in mid-year and annual reviews as well as regular reflective check-ins about workload and caseload management with your supervisor, including goal setting and performance review, as well as regular reflective check-ins about workload and caseload management.

• Attend community events pertaining to ESIT programs, including Whatcom Interagency Coordinating Council (WICC) quarterly meetings, as scheduling allows.

• Host interns and/or provide job shadowing opportunities, as applicable and in coordination with the supervisor.

 

Skills and Abilities:

• A motivated self-starter and problem solver with energy, flexibility, creativity, a sense of humor, and a willingness to pitch in wherever needed.

• Professional work habits (punctuality, responsiveness, organization, ability to manage multiple projects, attention to detail).

• Excellent communication and conflict management skills including via written, in-person and telephone.

• Ability to prioritize effectively and handle multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously and strong organizational/record keeping skills.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with staff as a foundational team member.

• Manual dexterity and physical endurance to lift patients and heavy equipment.

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Education and Knowledge​

• Bachelor degree required

• Bachelor degree in early childhood special education or equivalent years of experience is preferred

• Current State of Washington teaching certificate with an endorsement in special education or early childhood special education (preferred)

• DSHS background check approval

• State of Washington driver’s license and reliable, insured vehicle

• Successful completion of Infant/Toddler CPR class (can be completed post-hire)

• Experience with infants and toddlers with special health care needs and their families

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Pay Range: DOE Salary/Non-Exempt

 

Schedule: Full-time/40 hours

 

Please send resume and cover letter to careers@wcel.net

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Please send your resume and cover letter describing your interest in our mission and how your work or life experience had prepared you for this role.